Danniella Westbrook has said she still struggles to look at herself as doctors continue reconstructing the damage to her face.
The former EastEnders actress, 52, spoke about the operations during an appearance on Vanessa Feltz’s Channel 5 show. Westbrook said she trusts her surgeon but remains unhappy with her reflection while the work is still unfinished.
Westbrook has linked the damage to the long-term effects of cocaine addiction and osteoporosis. She said one side of her face has little bone support left and that surgeons are rebuilding the structure through a series of procedures.
Her next major operation is expected at the end of September. Westbrook said doctors plan to remove cartilage from a rib as part of the next stage of reconstruction.
Danniella Westbrook Says She ‘Hates’ Looking in the Mirror
Westbrook said she remains confident in the doctor treating her but has not regained confidence in her appearance.
“I have every faith in my surgeon,” she said during the interview. “I hate the way I look.”
She also said she was taking responsibility for the damage caused by her past drug use while continuing with the operations. In an earlier interview, Westbrook said she had removed mirrors from her home because she could not cope with seeing her face.
She Says One Side of Her Face Needs Rebuilding
Westbrook said the remaining work will take about 18 months. She has described needing operations every few months, with several procedures still ahead.
The next major surgery is planned for late September. Westbrook said surgeons intend to take cartilage from a rib and use it during the reconstruction.
She has also discussed plans for a metal cheekbone that would connect to stronger bone. Westbrook said osteoporosis has worsened the damage and left one side of her face needing extensive structural repair.
Recent Surgery Focused on Her Upper Lip
View this post on Instagram
Westbrook recently underwent upper-lip reconstruction after explaining that the changing structure of her face had pulled the area upward. She said doctors planned to use tissue from inside her cheek to repair it while limiting visible scarring.
Earlier procedures included work on her face, neck, brow, nose and lips. Westbrook said one operation was needed to realign the two sides of her face and move her nose into position before surgeons could continue rebuilding it.
She later shared recovery updates and thanked the medical team involved in her care. Recent photos from a charity football event in Hornchurch showed her after the latest round of surgery, with swelling and healing still part of the process.
Westbrook Has Spoken Openly About Addiction and Recovery
Westbrook became widely known as Sam Mitchell on EastEnders, first joining the BBC soap as a teenager in 1990. Her cocaine addiction later affected her career and health, including the collapse of her nasal septum.
She has undergone multiple reconstructive operations over the years. The current treatment is meant to repair damage that earlier procedures did not fully fix.
During the Channel 5 interview, Westbrook said she was sober and busy despite the surgeries. She also said she now works with her sister-in-law at a celebrity talent agency while continuing treatment.
She Has Also Dealt With Abuse Over Her Appearance
Westbrook has said some social media users have sent cruel messages about the way she looks, including comments telling her to die.
She has also received support from people following her recovery. Westbrook said the reconstruction is frightening, but she understands it cannot be completed in a single operation.
She has cautioned followers not to treat her appearance between procedures as the final result. More surgery, healing and structural work are still ahead.